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« And I wiu war, at least in words, (And...
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THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE op the POLISH DEMO...
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INDIA. Intelligence has been received th...
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THE WAR IN THE CAUCASUS. S*aroyTs attack...
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THE CAFPRE WAR. A slight sketch of tbe e...
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IRELAND. FAILURE OF THE POTATOE CROP. Th...
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PHYSICAL AND MORAL FORCE. TO THE EDITOR ...
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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« And I Wiu War, At Least In Words, (And...
« And I wiu war , at least in words , ( And—should my chance happen—deeds , ) With all who war with Thought !" ¦ ft l think I hear a little bird , -who sings The people bjaud . b y Will be the stronger . "—Btbov
REVELATIONS OF RUSSIA , so . v . Chapter vii . of this work Is devoted to an exposure of THS B 0 S 3 IAN SECRET POLICE , a body , exceeding in its atrocious character , every aimilar institution yet established , not even excepting the Inquisition of Spain . " Every man in the empire feels t >? fears that its all-seeing eye is hatching his conduct , and often viewing it with vision distorted by private malignity , revenge , or eavy . From what he has heard , from what ha has learned and seen , the Russian doubts those nearest and dearest to
him- the friend feels occasionall y the suspicion flash across his mind that the friendshi p of long yearsmav prove only > ftloak to this fearful espionage which the secret police entertains in all classes of society ; the brother sometimes dreads to confide to the brother thoughts which might be registered against him , and meet at some future period with a retribution , sore , if slow ; the very bridegroom often questions whether the bride does not open to him her arms to worm from him some secret which may be snpposedio exist . " IfanofScerofthisforce , "dis , tinguished by the livery of the secret police , present himself in the dead of tuenMit before a frontier
fortress , before the palace of an imperial prince , or the dwelling of the first magnate of the land , he must have instant admission to the governor , the prince . Or the noble—admission even to the bed of death and delirium , or into the nuptial chamber . He may drag any individual into a talega or kibitka , without assigning any reason , without intimating why he is taken , whithvr he is going , or when he will return . Family , servants , and friends , must all keep a . discreet silence on the event , and never even dare to ask , excepting after long groping their way throug h some influential channel , if ever , and when , he is to be restored to them .
""When the individual so treated returns—if ever he returns— -he has been 'in the country / he has been ' absent on business / frequently he is himself ignorant ef the cause of his abduction ; bnt he seldom confides what happened in the course of it , even to the ear ofa most confidential intimacy . " Here is an instance : — There is alady still living , who was stepping out of her carriage in her ball dress , when she was quietly handed into a sledge— -her destination was Siberia . 'When the long journey was accomplished , ihe Was loa & ted—she knfcW not in what region or government—in a hut , containing two rooms , each divided from the other , and leading into
two separate yards , each a few paces square , and surrounded by a Irish wall , which only admitted the light of heaven . A sentinel was mounting guard outside tbe -walls ; her coarse food was brought by a silent jailor , and here she remained for two years . At the expiration of this term , the door of the yard was one day opened , and a prisoner was thrust in to her , who turned out to be a Polish nobleman , who had been long confined in the adjoining cell , bnt was now removed to make room for another . In this room , or den , she lived with her unfortunate companion , for twelve years more , ignorant alike of the spot of earth she was inhabiting , and of the cause of her being banished thither . One morning , her door was thrown open , and a voice called for number % oand-so , bv which , in the rare intervals of months and
even years elapsing between the occasions on which her jailors answered her or spoke to her , they haft been accustomed to address her . She stepped forward ; the door was closed , without her even having time to take leave of her companion , whom she never saw again ; she was hurried into a sledge ; she retraced' the journey of many months , and on ? night found herself in tbe office of the grand-master of police ; a little cupboard was thrown open , andsbe was presented with tbe identical ball dress which had been taken from her on the night of her exile ; the jewels indeed were gone ; but there was not a % ovr , a flower , or a piece of lace of its blackened and faded frippery wanting ; even tbe withered nosegay and the fan , in which , a long generation of spiders or brown bsetles . bad nestled , were carefully restored to her . She was thenceforward at liberty .
This lady never knew the cause of her punishment or ¦ of IU cessation . " And did yon never make the inquiry V " What , bs so lonj in Siberia , and not yet have learned discretion . " * ' And what was said on your xe-appearance in society V Nothing ; those who bad known me fo rmerly made no comment ; to those who inquired , who is Madame ? where is she from ! where nis she always Ured I It was « imply answered , ' Madame < hmeurs depv . u beaucoup < ' anneesxw sesterres '— " She has long betu buried amidst her estates . " The secret agent ? , correspondents , and spies , direct and indireci , aresopposed to out nnmbermany score of those who wear the livery of this force .
The passport office is comprised in the institution -Ofthe ^ iig h police ; aud through its intermedium every individual above the peasantry is registered . * Annexed to the duplicate of his registry . is a compilation of all the reports , collected by all thespies who Save come across him during his life , with their orig inal observations , notes , and denunciations , all arranged with such admiraVe order and regularity , that in St . Petersburg and Moscow , within a few hours , the superintendent of police can become
ac--quainted with the most secret actions of his life , together with the opinions he is supposed to entertain , or , at h-a-t , the sentiments he has avowed . There is thus many an individual who imagines himself utterly beneath the notice of government , to -whose name , in its black registry , are appended -wholeManuscript ^ volumes upon volumes of secret information . Cordial acquaintances , dear friends , servants and slaves , and too often relatives , have ¦ consciously or unconsciously contributed to swell the
mass . ' The Russian is sot only subject to this terrible surveillance within the pale of the empire , but when he tercels abroad it follows him like his shadow . " Jn the drawing-rooms of London and Paris , he dreads that the eye of the secret police may be upon him . Foreigners , in their own country , laugh at his terrors , hntixperience has taught him | too painfully how truly they are grounded . The secret police acquires Information , or , at least , employs spies , as cheaply * s it can ; hut it purchases them at any price . By a complicated and proportionately expensive system , it has rendered itself all eyes ; its very spies are spied apou . " Chapter sVa . untolds the iniquities of
THE CTVtt FOLKS , 1 SWS , AUD TBTBICTAIS . The civil police , tbe great scourge of the middle and working orders , is everywhere subservient to the high police . In the civil iorce , extortion and oppression , which elsewhere seek to hide themselves behind some veil , here walk brazen-fronted . The police are in their organization military , and weara military uniform . "From first to last , a careful selection of all that is most base and villainous , from the depraved and crapulous class of inferior employes
* nd their spawn , there is probably scarcely a man amongst them who has not , in the exercise , or rather the abuse of his office , rendered himself amenable to those "very laws of which he is an executive limb . Tonality , extortion , theft , and actually burglary and murder , swell the dark annals of this resectable body ; and yet , if their oppression is felt sensibly every hour , and their crimes constantly brought to light , nine-tenths of them are unknown to all but their immediate victims , such is the system of secresy -which stifles the cry of those who suffer , and ensures
impunity . For preserving order and repressing crime , a more inefficient body exists sot on the face of tho earth ; there are probably more robberies and assassinations committed in St . Petersburg alone , than in all the European capitals put together . The following extract illustrates the foul character of these so called guardians of public security . Three Russian merchants , who had been enjoying copious pot ations , were returning home very much the worse for liquor , and one of them was so far intoxicated , that bis companions were obliged to leave him in custody ofthebontoucbuik , or watchman . In the course of a few hours , when they were a Utile sobered , regretting
-what they had done , tbey went back to fetch him , but tbebontonchnik and the two police soldiers declared that lie had gone away long since . Tbey were abont to depart , satisfied of the truth of this statement , when one of tbem espied tbe boots and cap of his missing friend , -which be immediately recognised . In consequence ef -the susp icions excited by this circumstance , they re--naired to the grand-master of police , in whose office they tod some friend , through tbe intercession of whom or . ders were obtained that an immediate search should be made of the bOucUie , or watch-honse . Although the body Ot their companion was not at first forthcoming , his domes , together » itb those of many other individual wen ^ covered in possession of the toutouchnft andii ,
« And I Wiu War, At Least In Words, (And...
assistants , and a hole was at last perceived , which communicated * from the interior of the watch-honse with th . canal , near which - it , was situated . -Here the , remains of the murdered man were discovered ; and in the course of the investigatum which ensued , it was elicited that a wholesale system of murder had long been carried on in the watch-box , by its guardians , who were in league with the waiters ofa neighbouring tavern , who , when any of their guests were sufficiently intoxicated , caused them to be conveyed away by the houtonchnik who , after mind ing them ; stripped tbe bodies , which were cast through this hole below the ice of the canal , whence , long before it broke up , they would be carried away by the current .
These assassinations were dail y perpetratedia a little wooden box , scarce tea feet is diameter , in the Nev-. ky Prospect , tbe most populous street in St . Petersburg , aud which is generally as much crowded as the upper t-nu ef Oxford-street in London . The guflty parties were punished with the imout ; but the whole circumstance acquired more than usual notoriety from the fact , that the emperor , to whose ears it came , caused some of the waiters who were accessories to be AopgeA before the windows of all the tavern-keepers of the quarter . But for this it might never have transpired beyond th « walls of the cfiast .
The civil police major has t \ e power to administer corporal punishment to all who are not freemen ; this is carried out in private , within the walls of his « V ^ e or place of detention . A Mouasiew Fernet , do tained four days in one of these places , a slight partition only dividing his cell from the interior court , where the floggings were going on nearly all the time of his detention , heard distinctly all that passed . Amongst others , two young girls , workwomen at a fashionable milliner ' s , were flogged under the eye of their mistress , f . r having dared to bring their lovers into her house . Each of these unhappy creatures received at several times one hundred and eighty strokes with the plitt . Next came the turn of
peasants , hired servants , and others sent by their masters to be punished . Nothing in fact , but revengeful acts of atrocity , iniquities , and despair continued , whilst the detained Frenchman remained in this human hell . The followinsr extract
describesthe knout anh thk plot . For our author ' s account of the abominable tyranny of the passport system , the corruption and villainy of tbe Russian judges , and the absurdity and rascality of the " laws , " thai is imperial ukases they are appeinted to administer , we must refer the reader to the work itself containing these astounding revelations .
The Central Committee Op The Polish Demo...
THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE op the POLISH DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY TO THE DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE ; AS * BMBtn « J IN LONDON FORPOLAND'S REGENERATION . Citizens !—Placed at the head of the Polish Democratic Society , we beg to expressto ton our warmest gratitude for the noble words yon have addressed to the French electors in behalf of our father-land . Tes , Citizen ? , the recent struggle of Poland against her oppressors wilt not be the last : nothing in the world will prevent her from persevering in her devotedne > s to the sacred cause of her liberty and nationality . Vanquished to-day . she will to-morrow renew the sirnsg-le , because she understands the high mission with which Providence has endowed
her-Poland suffers : but she hopes and works . She confides in the sanctity of her cause , in the vitality of her national genius , and in ihe principles of Libertv and ^ Fraternity which she brings to the Slavonic nations . Will free and independent England remain a passive spectator of this sanguinary fight of every day , which Poland sustains in the name of Freedom and Independence against her three oppressors ? Will the people of Great Britain , with their Naval forces and Army , with their riches and national power , isolate themselves from those European tendencies , which the despotism , the egotism and the ambition of the despots of the Continent endeavour to suffocate and crash ?
We think not I—Jon say yourselves , Citizens , that the British people largely participate in your sentiments for Poland . ' . Well ! this generous disposition , we are satisfied , will not prove fruitless . Enlightened and devoted men of Great Britain will easily conceive the importance of the Polish question ; they will show to their countrymen that Poland's present position exercises a great influence upon the fate of other nations , and that her regeneration will become immensely beneficent to the moral and material wealth of " Europe . They will remind the British
people that Poland , amongst the Northern nations , was always the representative of Liberty and brotherhood ;—that since and in spite of tbe loss of her political independence , she has never ceased to march on the same way . —and that espeeinlly since the revo-Iut ' on of 1 S 30 , " Poland has adopted fully democratic ideas , and , therefore , endeavours to free her social state from all those class divisions , from those privileges and prejudices which her past has endowed her with , and which her oppressors endeavour to maintain and to consolidate .
You , Citizens , you have undertaken this noble lash . We therefore beg leave to greet you in the name of the Polish democracy , in . the name of this militant patriotism , which does not enter into stipulation neither with Poland ' s ^ enemies nor with ideas which modern civilization disavows . Persevere with courage in your generous resolutions and you "deserve well" of Poland , of the British people and of Humanity . Receive the expression of our fraternal feeling , In behalf of the Committee , The Chairman of the sitting . Joseph Wtsocki . The Secretary , Victor Hewmax . Versailles . July 31 , 1846 . 18 , Rue des tournelles .
India. Intelligence Has Been Received Th...
INDIA . Intelligence has been received that tranquillity prevails throughout India . In Lahore there was a spirit of dissatis faction . Money was difficult to be had there . The Government was preparing to enforce its claims upon the Nawab of Moultan ; he was preparing to defend his town . At Peshawur the Sikh soldiers had exhibited symptoms of insubordination from want of pay ; but some advances had partly pacified them . Gholab Singh was busy in regulating his newly-acquired country . Scinde enjoys complete repose . False versions . of the Scinde prize property continued to be published in India ; it was represented as if it was chiefly C 9 mposed of female ornaments . In India those ornaments constitute much . of . the wealth of each family , and a great portion is said to be the spoil taken by the Ameers sixty years ago from their predecftsnors .
At Cahool there appears to be a system of intrigue going forward for enabling Dost Mahommed to form apolitical union with Yeer Mohammed ' of Ileraut , under the protection of Persia and Russia . Akbar Khan had returned from Jelallabad , and was in bad humour with all his father ' s friends at Cabool . The Rajah ' of Ladwa , who had been betrayed by the Sikh Prime Minister , Rajah Lall Singh , was coming as a prisoner into the British territory , to be detained for life . The garrison of Kote Kangra , after much vapouring , had surrendered at discretion , when the heavy guns were brought to bear upon them . The occupation of this almost impregnable fort has produced a great effect in the north of India , tor the British troops are looked upon as invincible . Many of the petty Rijahs were anxious to make peace and to show their willingness to obey the British by surrendering their heavy guns , & e .
The JJizam ' s dominions were in the same state of financial embarrassments , and the confuaion consequent thereon . Some partial revolts of the half disciplined troops had been put down by the Government , making-terms for part payment of the sums due . ' Sir E . Perrv , who was monsoon-bound for some weeks in Ceylon , had returned to Bombay by travelling dawk across India from Madras . He had a narrow escape In Cevlon : a wild elephant rushed at him down the declivity of a hill ; Sir E . Perry threw himself down , and-the elephant was driven past by his own weight . . , . ' ., _ :
An extraordinar y practice was bennn in the Presidency of Bombay of wealthy men using every means to get out of gaol although convicted of felony J hey spent laree sums in order to invalidate their trials . A ease of this kind took place at Ahraedmeggur , in which the Jat * Kotwul ( police magistrate ) of the cantonment at Poona endeavoured to bring an action against the Commander-in-Chief for confirming the sentence ofa Court-martial , which condemned him to six years' imprisonment in »&* ^ ™ 5 f tiotfand peculation in his office . These attempts of rich criminals to neutralise the laws have brought contempt upon the British system of justice ; those aitemptsoughfc to be scouted , as tending to show that wealth is to triumph over righi . twi
^ » . The invasion of the Island to Bally by the Dutch is considered to be opposed to the treatiesi with ^ tlie British , which prohibit ihe extension of the Uutcn colonies in the Eastern Seas . This subject demands serious consideration . The Dutch appear resolved to subjuuate that island , much to the dissatisfaction of the British merchants at Singapore .
The War In The Caucasus. S*Aroyts Attack...
THE WAR IN THE CAUCASUS . S * aroyTs attack on the Kaborda was the boldest deedin the history of the Caueassian war . Whoever has paid any attention to this war must know that for the last forty years it ' was confined within a very naxnnr space . £ * cAoftfje fl » nrfr < ta *^ &« Ui »
The War In The Caucasus. S*Aroyts Attack...
of this country waged war against the Russians on his own account , rarely in accordance with any concerted .. p lan ,, or injmion , with other tribesl ' Until Schamyl . ho leader aucceeded ' in " assemblii ^ ' ^ rea 'l ' army under his standard , or of executing great operations on a determined plan . Anarchy , clannish feuds , and famil y ; hatred , prevailed for centuries among the Circassians , and even the most powerful Of the old princes of the country , such ns SeJim and S « fir Bey , or the bravest of the Vorks , of knig hts , as Jimbulat and Guz Bey , were unable , with all their influence , to form a lasting , numerous , and strong anion of the various tribes or clans against the Russians , or to assemble more than 4 000 . horsemen for an attack on the Kubank . Anion *; the eastern mountaineers of the Tschetschna , D .-ighestan , and
Lesghistan , fanaticsm was a strong element , of which in former times Sheik Mansur and Khssi Mollah had availed themselves with ability and success ; frequently uniting tribes of d' fferent languages , and who had otherwise but little sympathy , in one common undertaking against the " pale unbelievers . " But even these , the greatest and most celebrated heroes of tho Caucasus could never cross the Terek for a campaign , with msre than 8 , 000 men . The whole steppe and mountain warfare on fhg wide space between the mouth of the Kuban and the Caspian sea limited itself on the part of tbe Caucasians to unceasing small attacks , plundering expeditions , and skirmishes , with at most the capture ofa fort or Cossack station in view . Under these circumstances , and on such around the
offensive operations of the Russians themselves could not be on a very large scale ; even in the expeditions against Akulho and Dargo , the Russian corps did not exceed 12 , 000 or . 14 . 000 men , including the Cossack cavalry , which could be of little use in the mountains . That Schamyl , after so many misfortunes and reverses , could again take the' field with an array , greater in number than any ever assemhlrd by his powerful predecessors , or eren by himself , gives brilliant testimony of his energy and talentslas a leader of the brave tribes of the Eastern Caucasus , and prove tho groundlessness of the repented jvsacrtian of a speedy termination of the Caucasian war The sudden apparition of an army of 20 , 000 men for an attack on the Kabarda , at a period whan Schamy l ' s influence was affirmed to bo greatly
weakened , shows either that Schamyl has introduced same new system of terror to recrait his forces , or , that the tribes have at last seen the necessity of cooperation . It is true his expedition was somewhat rash , and unattended by positive success , but surely theretreat ot this chief with so large an army , with but small loss , is nearly equal to a victory . On his interruption in the Kabarda , Schamyl left behind him a double row of Russian posts and forts , and two rivers , which in winter became torrents , difficult to be forded . With an undisciplined mass of troops , from many different tribes , who amid the confusion of their varying tongues , could with difficulty understand one another , without field-artillery without Eroper convoys of provision and ammunition , this old commander threw himself into a flat country .
offering no advantage in an attack by regular troopi marched over a space of five hundred miles , through the strongest fortresses of the Russians , and by hi .-sudden appearance terrified the long-submitted tribes of the plain from the Sundscha to Laba . An armv of 70 . 000 men . with the entire military population of the Cossack settlements on the Terek and Sundscha , besides all the strong Russian garrisons from Yfadifcarfcas to Vnesapnala were behind him ; and before him were the corps of the right wing and the Cossacks of the Laban and Cuban . Can it then be doubted that his quasi successful expedition must have given a serious blow to the moral supremacy of the Russians ? No one can now believe himself safe from an attack by the Tschetschentzi prince , whether on the advance frontier line or within the
walls of Tmis . An hour may see his house laid m ashes , h s family slaveg > and himself slain , by the ruthless enemy of Muscovite rule .
The Cafpre War. A Slight Sketch Of Tbe E...
THE CAFPRE WAR . A slight sketch of tbe events which preceded , and led to tbe present war .. n tbe northern and north-east frontier of the Cape of Good IIop ^ , will prove interesting at the present moment , when , as the last advices show , the war lias reached a critical point . The Cafires are a numerous and intelligent race of people , of warlike dispositions , ami proud of their independence , thus presenting a complete contrast to tbe Hottentots of tbe Cape . Tbe inroads of the Dutch on the rights and possessions of the South African aborigines first brought them into collision with the Cafires in 1770 , and an irregular frontier-war arose , in which the latter proved themselves most dangerous opponents , ably availing themselves of the broken nature
Of the country . This war lasted with little intermission until the transfer of the colony to the English in the beginninj : of the present century , when the English Government , discovering the inutility of attempting peacefully to adjust the long'continued feuds , and reconcile tho hatred on eanb side , dispatched a larse mAntarj force in " 18 U , to expel the Cafires in the Zaurefeld district , which bad been in their undisturbed possession as pasture land for more than one yean . Another object of this expedition wa « , to obtain the Great Fish River as an effective boundary . To this end a line of blockhouses , forts , and military posts were constructed along the course of that river to bindur Caffres , as well as the colonists , from crossing the frontier on either side , for the purpose of personally executing their usual barbarous acts of revenge . The subsequent
peaceful exertions of the English Government , who ever , prohibited all intercourse with the CaSi-eland , had not , however , the wisbed . for success . Apart from tbe facts that tbe military force scattered along tbe Great Fish River was far too small , and that tbe banks of this river otfered a very favourable Urrain for the freebooting attacks of tbe Caffres , and tbeir system of petty warfare , tbe hasty and unjust manner in which tbey were driven from Zuureveld ( tbey were not even permitted to cut the ripe standing corn , whereby they and their cattle suffered groat distress ) excited strong feelings of enmity among tbe Caffres , which at last , in 1 S 19 , led te a war against the English more violent than any that bad preceded it . In this short , but sanguinary war , the Cuifresfought with extraordinary valour . They advanced a long way into
the Cape colony , as far as CitenUagen , a point midway between the frontier and Cape Town , and , but for the bravery Of its small garrison , would have made themselves mastersofGraham ' sTawii , thenanswsettlement , butnow containing a population of ten thousand souls , and second only to Cape Sown in importance . In the peace that was subsequently concluded , the Cafires were compelled to abandon tbe district between the Keyskamma and the Great Fish River . The coarse of the former river was secured by a second military line of defence , and the uninhabited land thereby acquired , peopled by 5 , 000 Eng . lish and Scotch colonists . The latter step was , however , an error , it being supposed that the red salt clay
sod , which was excellent for pasture land , was also adapted for good arable land . This could only be the case with a plentiful supply of water , and the three years' drought of 1820-3 , together with the want of means among the colonists , broke up the settlement . About the same period that peace was restored , tbe various missionary societies began their labours , which , together with tbe spread of communication into the interior , and the increase of commerce with the Cafires during tUe fifteen years from 1820 to 1835 , seemed to favour th < - hopes of a continuance of peaee . But in 1833 tbe longcherished hatred of the Ceffres , aggravated by the remembrances of their defeat and severe losses in the
former war , again broke out in opan hostilities . Kum » . rous bodies of Caffres crossed the frontier from al ) points , the English settlers were driven from the possessions they had peacefully occupied since 1820 , and the 1 ibours of fifteen years wera in a few hours scattered to the winds by these savages , whose course was not stayed until tbey reached Graham's town , the scene of their former check . It has been a cons'ant subject of complaint from the colonists to the Government , that the military force in the eastern portion of the Cap is far too small . In the war of 1833 , which was preceded by nunj premonitory symptoms , the whole force to oppose the enemy was 400 men of the 75 th Regiment , and 200 Hot . tentOt Jagers of the Capo mounted riflemen . The wonted energy and decision of the English however , enabled
tbem to repair their error ; tbe whole population of the colony capable of bearing arms were embodied , and large reinforcements of British troops brought seawards from Cape Town . By this means an end was soon put to the war , with great loss to the Caffres , who , in spite of their great bravery , were unable to resist the superior force of European firearms and discipline , in both cf which they were then deficient . The cost of this brief war alone was £ 000 , 000 . In tbe peace soon afterwards agreed upon , the old boundary of the Keyskamma was retained , but the Caffiros wire obliged to surrender a tract of land between the lower course of that river and the Great Key river , which appointed as neutral land undtr the name of Queen Adelaide ' s province . In this land no settlement was niade by either party , but the
Caffres were allowed liberty of pasturage . The grounds of the present contest must be sought in the turbulent disposition of the Caffres , tbeir love of plunder , so strongly excited by tbe large herds of the frontier farmers , and the ambition of their chiefs , whose power is null , except in war time - , to these causes must also be added the fear of seeing tbeir country gradually taken entire , appropriated by the English . Nor Is this fear iH- £ W > uaded—for since Natal has become an English province , it is extremely desirable , for the con . solidatior of the English power in South Africa , that the nortb-itst Settlements on Mu-Garriep in tbe interior , and tl ¦ M t J tbe east on tuc Kesskamma , should be connectti by English territory as fur as Natal . The intervening country is fertile , with numerous navigable rivm ,
and abounds in metal ores . This tract is the more important , sincein Northern Cuftrarin , the Zooloos , a reallj powerful nation , who have one hundred thousand armed warriors , constantly ready for the field , already threaten an irruption in the colony , tbeir sole obstacle « tt present being a few tribes between them and the Amakosas . Were they to enter the colony from the eastern frontier the small military force stationed at tbe Cape ( usually three orfour European regiments of 800 men each , and simeartillery , ) would wlthdiffieulty repulse them , par tieularly if , as , in spite of all the precautions of the English Government , has already been the caso , the Zooloos should provide themselves . \ , ith firearms . Tho present Caffra war will doubtless be as brief as the former , but much more wngu . uir 4 ry , fgr sinoe 1833 , the Amakosas
The Cafpre War. A Slight Sketch Of Tbe E...
( Caffres ) hare obtained large quantities of fire arms and ammunition . - ^ The conquest of-the AmakosRa will , how Mer , prove but ' a further 8 te Vto "' a new war with the fierce and victorious Zooloos .- « - -. * - .. » -,.,.,-, , „ . -By letters from her Majesty ' s ship ThundorbDlt , dated May a ., we learu that she was actively engaged in conveying reintoreenients from the Cape to Algoa Bay . In consequence of di 9 a 8 trous news from the frontier , oii the 10 th instant , she conveyed eighty miu of the 27 tb Regiment , ail tlie manaeg that could be spared from the President , and a bo . l y of bur ^ hw ,, from the Cape to Al oa Bay ; she also embarked a , ficldpiece , a ' c . mgreve rocket party from the President ' s blue jackets , arid a great quantity ot tire arms and small arm ammunition . The frontier
papers give a most deplorable account of ' the depredations of the Caffres . aud the sufferings and privations of many families whose houses and property have all been destroyed \» y these ruthless savages , who have penetrated more than eighty miles into the colony without receiving a check . Even from Algoa Bay was seen the smoke of the fires kindled by thu Caffres . Upwards of 15 , 000 men were then on their way to Graham ' s Town . The Governor was at Graham ' s Town , collecting and organizing his t \> rces be / ore he marched onward . Tlld ' SappuO Sailed on Friday , the 21 st May , for the Mauritius , with provisions and stores for the Conway , calling at Algoa Bay with 400 stand of arms , taken out of a brig ou her way to India .
Ireland. Failure Of The Potatoe Crop. Th...
IRELAND . FAILURE OF THE POTATOE CROP . The most deplorable accounts reach Dublin from the provinces . The early crop is rotling in the ground , and there is no longer room to hope that the late plantings will escape . The sufferers induhje in a vast variety oi speculations as to the cause , and urge a still greater variety of theories as to the cure , or prevention of the disease . Some attribute it to the use of guano , and others—with more show of reason—to atmospheric influences . A third party trace it to the natural decay ' otthc vital principle in the plant . In shoi « t , they lmld that it is" run out , " and that there remains but one cbur & e left us ,-namely , to set about emancipating the masses at once and for ever from their dependence on the potatoe . Tlie accounts from the West of Ireland are particularly disheartening , inasmuch as in
addition to the failure ef the crop , thu unfortunate peasantry will have to contend against the npalhy ot the landlords and tlie want of employment , which has characterised their condition !! at alt times during the last half century . It is only fair to the government to state that they are doing everything in their power to mitigate the suffe . vu . iga of the people . They have ordered extensive issues of Indian meal at a further reduction of £ 1 per ton , on cost price ; and it is said they arc about to expend large sums on public works , which , while affording immediate . elief , will be of permeneut advantage to the localities . The other crops , including wheat and oat-j , promise to be most abundant , leaping is now beaming general in the south and north-western districts , and both jieldand quality are considerably . ibove the average of former years .
DuniJif , August 10 . —The following deplorable accounts of the propects of ^ the potato harvest are contained in the papers of this day : — "Yesterday ( says theGalwuy Mercury o f Saturday ) we were visited by a deluge ot rain , which rendered the streets , in some parts , impassable ; and this morning we had more than abundant showers . As for the potatoes , no reliance need be placed upon obtaining a suhiuient supply for the year . In many parts of the country those which were found good and souad in the early part of the week now presents every appearance of disease . "— ' * The greatest fears ( says a correspondent of that journal ) are , alas ! now entertained in every direction regarding the potato crop . The potato is not only stunted , but quite black , and some of them
not even fit for animal use . The Louglirea market , on Thursday last , was moderately supplied with provisions . Hew potatoes , which went at sixpence in the morning , were sold for 4 Jd . in the evening ; the old potatoes also fell as low as 4 d . and £ & . Oatmeal from 13 s . to 14 s . per cwt . This reduction in price is owing to this awful disease in the potato , for many of the country people have told rae that they must DOW dig them out mid dispose of such as they may find to be of auy use . Accounts which reach us every hour ( says the Wexford Independent ) put the general failure of the potato crop beyond question . Where no disease was apparaut a few days ago , all are now " black . " Tho renewed calamity is everywhere . In addition to this , the oat crop has undergone a blight , in consequence of which it is " light , " and must fall lav short of the produce anticipated .
We regret to say ( says the Sligo Journal ) that the most deplorable accounts of the blight in the potato crop are daily heard in this county , and it is melancholy to think that the fearful raviiges aro not limited to one locality , but have spread their baneful effects far and wide over the-United Kingdom , and also to other countries : bat to the almost pauper cottiers and peasantry of Ireland the convenience attendant on so sweeping a loss will be incalculablethey invariably considered the potato " their own crop , " moaning thereby that the grain was the landlord ' s . The reports nf the state of the potato crop are becoming more and more alarming ( says the Tyrone Constitution ) . This district of the north was but partially Visited by ths disease last year , but this season not a plot of potatoes , in field or garden , nor oi any variety , cither of the late or early crops , but are now more or less affected .
THE REPEALERS . The orgim of Toung Ireland , in its number cfthe 8 th inst ., has two articles in defence of itself ; one in answer to the Bishop , denying that it ever advocated irrelhjion in any shape whatever ; and the other to . Mr . O'Connell , in refutation of the charge of being " treacherous to the repeal . " In the latter of these pleadings they say— "For our opposition to the Whig alliance : for our refusal to trust those moonshine promises , and in consideration of them to be tbe slaves content of English rule—we are arraigned as treacherous to repeal . The question need hardly be tried ; ' twill try itself in its own fashion shortly , and the sternest advocate of our innocence will be the man who arraigned us , and prove we acted right . "
MBBIIXO OF TUB CHERGl' OP THE AltCH DIOCBSE OF CASIIEL ASH KMLT . On Thursday , pursuant to it requisition , a numerous meeting of tho clergy of tlie Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was held at Mrs . llyall ' s Hotel , convened for the purpose " of taking into consideration the present state of politics in Conciliation Hall , Dublin , and to record our thorough and entire confidence in our tried and trusted leader , O'Connell . " There were about fifty clergymen present , all of whom expressed the most unbounded contidence iu O'Connell . Letters to the same effect were read from about twenty others .
The | veiierable Archdeacon L . tPFANsaid , gentlemen , the proposing the first resolution has been con tided to my charge . —( Hear , hear . ) It is a resolution of confidence in the Liberator . And as I don't intend to detain you by making a speech , or to prolong the time of the meeting by entering into a discussion on tlie matters for which we are assembled , I shall merely take leave to hand in , as a murk of gratitude to the Liberator , our political director —( loud cheers ) —the sum of eight and twenty pounds , which 1 received from my bretlmn of the west of this diocese at the conference which was yesterday held in Tippcrary . Gentlemen , in propo . sin » this vote ol confidence in O'Connell , it would not be our duty as Gallioi'CB and priests to enter into any discussion here with regard to the recent proceeding in Conciliation Hall . Wo appreciate , confide in , and take as eur rule the moral force doctrine of O'Connell only
for tbe attainment ol " Ireland ' s freedom —( cheers)—while we , one and all , repudiate , condemn , and reject with all our hearts , all the foul attempts to have physical force brought into action . —( Hoar and cheers . ) The Venerable Archdeacon then read the resolution . Subscriptions to the association were then handed in , and which the Rev . John Ryan , one of the secretaries , announced to amount to £ 00 . ( Vehement cheering . ) Circulars were forthwith addressed to the reverend gentlemen who were not present , and the ^ subscrip tion list was expected to amount to £ 100 , which is to be immediately sent forward to the Association as the substantial mark of approval of O'Connell ' s policy , from the clergy ot the archdiocese of Cashel and Emly . After the meeting the clergy above named dined together at llyall ' s hotel . The entertainment was of the best descri ption , and excellent wines flowed freely . The Venerable Archdeacon Lalfan presided .
DUBLIN , Aug . 10 . Conciliation llall was rather thinly attended today , and presented a great contrast in its quietude to the bustle and fermentation of last wci'U . " Young Ireland" wns nowhere to be seen ; the ' Liberator" sat alone , or nearly so , and perfectly the monarch of all he surveyed . At one o ' clock ho called upon Counsellor J , 0 . Fltzpati iek to take the chair . Mr . O'Connell moved that it be referred to the committee to prepare a petition against the Arms Bill , which ho regretted to see was proposed to be re-enacted . Counsellor O'Dowil seconded tho motion , which was passed .
Mr . O'Connell then referred to the conduct of the Orangemen in walking on the 12 th o July with arms , and condemned the Catholics in the north in imita ' ting the bad example . Mi . O'Cofcnell then read a letter from " the honourable Cecil Lawless , enclosing £ 5 .. as his subjctiption , and requesting that he be admitted a member of the Repeal Association . He attributed his conversion to Mr . O'Connell's letter to him , and to tke proceedings of last Monday . Mr . O'Connell expressed the great pleasure he felt at Mr . Lawless joining the ranks of Old Ireland , and spoke in high terms of his father , Lord Conclurrr .
Mr . Steele handed in £ 41 . from Doctor Coen , Roman Catholic Itiahopor ' Olonfort , and his clergy . The letter strongly condemned the conduct of those who opposed Mr . O'Connell ' s policy . The letter was ordered to be entered on the minutes , and the
Ireland. Failure Of The Potatoe Crop. Th...
warmest thanks ot the association tendered to the writer . Mr . Steele read a letter from Clones , in the county-of * Monaghan , expressive . ot the confidence iv ! the Catholic clergy of the district , and . of 00 , 000 men , in Mr . O'Connell , and in repudiation of th * doctrines of "Young Ireland . ; Mr O'Connellsaid , that while he thus had tin-Catholic clercy and the people with them , there was no fear that , by adhering to his moral force policy , tbey would , at no distant day , succeed in bringiiis parliament to College Green The learned
gentle-. man next read a letter from the parish priest ^! Clonmel , enclosing £ 20 ., expressing his confidence ill him ( Mr . O'Connell . ) _ Mr . John O'Connell read a letter from some Re pealera in Manchester , at the head of whom wan Mr . Patrick Dugsin , cordially concurring with the " Liberator" in his peace policy . Mr John O ' Connell , in a Jong and uninteresting speech , moved that the committee of the assoc aiion be instructed to prepare various documents to br circulated amongst members of Parliament preparatory to his kthev ' a motion for Repeal in tho next
session . A great deal of time wsa occupied this day with the reading of letters , and Mr . O'Connell did not commence his speech of the day until after three o ' clock . Mr . O'CoxnbMi , observing that it was how too late for a long speech , then proclaimed the nature of his views in pursuing repeal , and his hope that the people of England would at length do them justice . The greater part of this address was literall y a repetition of tho " one speech" which has done duty at meetings past counting . He disclaimed all wish to have the Roman Catholic clergy made pensioners of the State . The Government should not bo allowed to establish the Roman Catholic church br Jjiw in
Ireland . The priests should never become the hribwl servants and minions of the Minister . 'I'hoy did do sire , however , that the national system of education , the provincial Colleges and Bequest Acts , should l : e altered so as to meet the views of the Catholic Bishops universally . They required also liomun Catholic chapels to be built for the use of paupers in the workhouses . With respect to the Established Protestant church , they soualn to have it taken out Of its present anomalous position ; but they would pay every respect to vested rights . The Learned Gentleman then went through his well-known cata logue ol * Irish wants—comprising extension of franchise and municipal powers—additional members fm Ireland—tenant-right— -tax on absentees , and th abolition of grand jury taxation and jobbing .
Mr . O'Co . vwkll read the following report , referring to the Nation newspaper , aud moved its adoption - . — The general committee to which it was referred to consider and report " whether there be any such connexion iiccivecn the association and the * Nation ' newspaper , as may require a severance of that connexion , - ' ' oes leave respectfully to state to the association : — 1 . That it is a standing rule of the association that any person er persons contributing a sum of £ 1 ( 1 to the Repeal rent , and transmitting the same to thu funds of the association , Jiave a right to hav « the sum of £ 1 Gs out of the said sum of £ 10 allocated for the put-posa of having a DuMiii newspaper , recstoftd Uy the pivrty or parties so aubsttribing until tliat sum is exhausted . 2 . That the selection of the newspaper to bo ao received by such subscribing party or parties is left to the parties themselves , provided such paper tsliull report th « proceedings ol the association .
3 . That the newspapers hitherto selected have been the following— « The Weekly 5 ra » man'a Journal , ' 'Tilt-Weekly B # ister , ' ' The Three Day Freeman , ' < The Three Day mot , ' ' The Jfation , ' and ' The Irish Advocate . 4 . That the parties so selecting newspapers aro bound to certify to the association that every individual subscribar to th ? sum above mentioned , shall have free access at all times to read the papers so selected . 5 . That we aro distinctly of opinion that considering the highly illegal and unjust decision made by three jadges in the Court of Queen's Bench in the late state prosecutions , by which they admitted in ovidenee the contents of newspaper * withwhich most of the traversers had no connexion whatsoever , but on the contrary many of whom repudiated such contents , it is our bounder , duty not to leave it in the power of any other tribunal to make a similar or perhaps more unjustifiable decision .
And therefore we are unanimously oi opinion that the association should totally severe itself from any iniaRii .-able responsibility on account of or connexion with the contents of newspapers so selected and received as aforesaid . G . That the association should most emphatically disclaim any species of responsibility for the contents of ant newspapers so received or sent , as aforesaid . 7 . That there are passages in the ' Nation' newspapai . which render it necessary for the safety of the associati . i . from prosecution or indictment , not to p > rmit any nubscribers to the repeal rent in future to allocate any pot tion of their subscriptions to payment for the ' Nation ' newspaper . 8 . Tlut the repeal association is bound for Us owe perfect safety to declare that it cannot in future coneui in any way In the circulation or sale , dh \ ct or indirect . of the ' » aticn ' newspaper . Mr . Strews seconded the motion , Nvhich Vifc > adopted . The rent was then announced to be £ 335 fa . 6 d . and the meeting adjourned .
Physical And Moral Force. To The Editor ...
PHYSICAL AND MORAL FORCE . TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIMERICK REPORTED If , in a short time afterwards , I should be accostn ' by the same person , with complaints of public grievances , UUd ShmUla * be consulted irliether it were lawful t . revolt , or justifiable to join in an attempt to shake ofi the yoke by open resistance , I should ccrtainljr considei myself as having a case and qmstion hefor « me ven different from the former . I should HOW define all ' discriminate . I should reply , that if public expedient- . ' , be tho foundation , it is also the measure , of civil ob .-dience ; that the obligation of subjects and sovereign is reciprocal ; that the duty of allegiance , whether it b > founded in utility or compact , is neither unlimited not unconditional ; that peace may bo purchased too dearly ;
that patience becomes culpable pusillanimity when it serves only to encourage our rulers to increase tin weight of our burden , or to bind it tho faster ; that the submission which surrenders the liberty of a nation & U 4 entails Slavery upon future generation * , is enjoine . ! by no law of rational morality ; finally I should instruc the inquirer to compare the peril and expense of hi * enterprise with the effect it was expected to produce , und to make choice of the alternative by which , not his own present relief or profit , but the whole permanent interest of the state wa ? likely to be best promoted . — Paky ' s Moral Philorophy , book 6 , ch . i . Queres 3 . An Christum * licitum sit bellum ? 31 . Bullum esse Christianis licitum , modo cerue comlitioncs adsiut . —BaMy ' s Tractate of the Decalogue , ch 5 , prep . 4 .
My Dear Sir—May I crave an opportunity of tlisehargimc through your liberal columns certain debt .-with which I have been lately loaded , and at tinsame time of expressing a law detached thought ' touching the present condition , prospects , and duties of the Repeal Association of Ireland ? A speech which I made at the Kilrush soiree last week has been severely handled by two reverend brethren of mine , Mr . Why tine in Conciliation Hall , aud Mr-Power in a letter to the Pilot : and also by my worthy neighbour , the editor of the Tiipcrary Vindicator . I Stand charged by these rig id censors with heresy and schism , murder , arson , and eccentricity , for the sentiments of that speech , yet I -hope to niiike it apoeai' without any extraordinary difficulty that those
sentiments are not only extremely true :: nd just , but also excessively moderate . For , while I characterised Mr . O'Connell ' s doctrine of moral force as false ami visionary , 1 left it an onen question for the sake of peace and in a sp irit ot toleration . Now , however , that I am in the mood of argument , I deny that it is an open question . Mr . O'Connell ' s doctrine of moral force is based upon these two propositions : —1 st . That the employment of p hysical force for the attainment of any political right , even to the shedding of a single drop of blood , is criminal ; and secondly , that all political rights are attainable by mural force alone . I now sssert that although these propositions
may be overlooked in a speech as rhetorical flourishes , they are not open , when logically stated , to any one but a fanatic to entertain . To avoid , if pos - sible , preliminary cavilling , I must observe that selt -tlefcnco is excepted in the first proposition . The sell-defence , however , must be fairly interpreted ; for in the one sense . 1 agree with Mr . Duffy , of The Nation , that all just wars may be called wars of sclfdefeneo . If . however , the exception of self-defence were understood in this comprehensive sense , then the proposition would amount to a mere quibble , and the whole doctrine of moral force to an egregious humbug .
Further , to avoid being mistaken . I will plead guilty at om-c to a shrewd suspicion that the said first proposition , qualified by thtsaid exception , is in point of fact a very quibble—a hypocritical pretence —a . palpable snare—a transparent humbug . I have rso faith in thu sincerity of Mr . Steele ' s horror I do iiot believe that even Mr . O'Connell avoided in forty three all allusions to physical force in the very sensu and meaning which is now so mereilewly persecuted . Indeed , ninny sensible clergymen would Mn persuade me that all the recent proceedings of Conciliation Hall should be pronounced a farce , anil treated
accordingly . I cannot , however , as-reo with them . 1 shall treat the question respectfully , as though it were a serious one . Only , to avoid being mistaken for a greenhorn , I have confessed ray secret suspicion . I assert , then , that the tivst proposition is false . No ' aw natural or revealed makes blosdahftddin ? a crime . Bloodshcdding was practised by the Jews under the immediate direction of the Almighty . It is still practised , and lawfully , as all Catholic theoloainns teach in opposition to Quaker fancies , b y all Christian governments . The fifth commandment prohibits only unjust bloodshcdding . The presorva tion of human blood in human veins is by no means
Physical And Moral Force. To The Editor ...
-fs ' -icli vital importance . It is not the ultima « wid of our creation . Dtfatli , by hinder , by dropsy , by consumption , or by fever , is just as bud as death by-sword or . bullet . ^ Of . thetwo .-LwouIdrathcr . ba shot than starved to death , any day of the vear . Amur nine hundred lives out ofa thousand , which !! l 7 ™ ! erisl 1 within a twelvemonth by wast . L , hJt ! . ara , T oul ( i l , e 8 ave ( l b - v a » appeal to -the Gcd m-mitv frV ,, fM m ecce l , tric e " oue ! l t" think that hu > Go ? ft ?„ ' f ' d , n , h ? * iv [ k 5 Ulli I Mkvo that the XSfoJK J . firf . t P roP « W «» ' ? If a « hiAory hSwnTmm H , ; antl a , -S « w »»«« of authority wlthi awnirnm the reason of man , the verv instincts of his nature won d revolt ax-t in ** ;* „ . ? "' , l ,,, l " ,, *„ ffi .. a t „ a . '""' t" against it ; and thev would suffice to ciigQi-ove ft fin . > iw . . i- ¦ - .- • v . r > "' -i ' -mi . il ., ior me utviner n \« . t \ tvti < u- « &^^*™ t o *^& *&
But a 11 hi-t ., rv k not forgotten , and all nuthoritv fa not withdrawn ; sod where . I a > k . in all their volumes , may any traces of this new ianuk-d doctrine be discovered ? Where is this . superstitious refrrence lor blood inculcated ? There wi . ro . « oldiers amongst tho first believers in Christ , and their faith was r . one af the weakest . Christian s Idlers crowded the lesions of Rome immediately , and cohorts of martyrs received their crown without liavimr ' repented , op being asked to repent , of their bloody profession . Was their physical force never employed in st'ifdefence ? All the jrenerations of the Crusaders , whose glorious types of all that is most , "loriims in human
nature , of ics highest romance and dcepe-t devotion , m its chivalry , its self-sacrifke , its stern endurance , its tender piety , its passionate love— "hat offhe ?© Crusaders ? What of all the popes anil their hulls , the bishops and their indultrencies . the hermit * and their •• xhortations . the kings and their treasures , the saints and their btessines , the monks ar . dth-. 'ir [ . raver * ? Or , does the exception of self-defence , s . ilhce to cover all the nation * and peneraiwr . s that staked their nopes of earth and heaven on that tors-¦ enous strife ? YYlmt an \ my \ nw di-osvine is this first proposition ?—one drop of bleed!—one fi . ldle-4 . iek '
Lnt why pursue tlussuhjccfc farther ? Mr . Power , of lulroaenty , after an effusion of extremely nauseous astonishment at my wickedness ( was not this Mr . Power involved some way or other in tbe monster prosecution ?) condescends to cell roc that 11 hour under ami-take , and to add another qualification , i-esules tbe Self-defence to this opinion ot " Mr . O'Council s . Mr . O'Connell , heaays , does not mean that in times past every drop of bloodshed reckoned for a crime , but only that henceforth such shall b- > the C " . se . If Icommitancrrsrnfn vearnrtwo . I hope Mr . Power will fordvo me , for reall y I has Tiled the Pilot , tn read his letter , verv reluctantly , and threw the filthy thins away as fust as I oould ; so that f do not now remember whether the sin was to commence only from the . time of his writing , or had
( Mmmencetl hist year or the year before . ' Here , at all events . U a considerable comfort , provided Mr . O'Connell prochumcf himself the apostle of this new creed , men might be saved . ' though they fell , sword in hand , battling with the oppressor * of their country . We need have no misgiving- ? about the present happiness of the Mililier-martvrsor the warrior-saints of ' otd . But now that Mr . " O'Connell lias assumed the office " of an apostle , and declared that ; the moon is made of » reen cheese—I mistook , but no matter—now , it is modestly expected that , like the simpleton in Moliere , we are to t- 'kc it for granted , that there pre no hearts in our breasts , or at le .- ^ t , that they are no longer where they used to he . "Notts avow change tout cela . " Go to bed Mr . P mver . and brighter dreams to von !
The first proposition , thru , is false to reason and to manhood , injurious to the authority of the Catl olie Church , and , if pushed to its legitimate consequences , subversive of all government . It deroirah 3 from the dignity of the living and the honour of the deaih _ It is a prostitution onen only on the side of fanaticism . If-1 ever-subscribe to it , I shall j . urchase , after my subscripion , a white bat with a broad brim , and abide with tho Brethren for the remnant of my course . The second proposition , contained in and completing Mr . O'Connell ' s doctrine of moral force , I believe to be false and visionary . I < ould not , therefore subscriho to it ; yet it is a proposition , considered - in itself , at which no one could tako offence , for it is but an exaggeration of a lofty hope
that has long haunted tlie hearts of enthusiastic philanthropists . If , indeed , it were soucht to deduce from it the first propot ' vhn , then it mi ^ hr become offensive , or even hateful . At all events it is not true . It is a vision . Many seers have seen it since tlie world be « an , and many dreAjnors dreamt it , and yet it is not tact . Tlie simple reason is , fhat men are not puvo spirits , and are obliged by a law ot nature to learn their A B C before they can read . What is there in political rights move than in any ¦ ithcr rishts , that they should be all attaimhle by moral force alone ? If . all political riffht « , why not at all rights ? and if all rights , why soldiers , ma'ines , poli-fsmen , hniiEmen catcbpoW ? why locks rn . iUws , ¦
\\\ d handcuffs ? why jails , and bridewells , and huh-. ? If the world is so civilised by the mere promulgation , ef this new doctrine , how does it happen that in all he countries of the earth so many remnants oV the exploded system , so maviV stiff and quaint appliances of physical force are retained at so much expense for the vindication ef riaht and the correction of injustice ? No—moral three may obtain some vitrlifs , lersonsl as well as political , because seme men are honest and intelligent ; but it cannot obtain all rights personal or political , because it is the fatal destiny of earth that many men tat ; ' ! be always ignorant and vicious .
I do not , however , believe that in point of fact any political rights li-ive been attained * tfuri ' n » this century for Ireland by moral force alor-c ; that is to say , by such a moral force as Mr . O'Connell would now preach up .- The moral force , for instance , which won Emancipation for us . Catholics was not an Hmasculated moral force , such as this novel theory would give birth to . It was not a mere spiritual ohantasm , divested of flesh and blood , and divorced from tbe substratum of physical energy , so essential c . o its viguur . its vitality , aitd its etR'Ct . The moral force which won Emancipation was the firmly expressed demand for justice of resolute men : it was the overflowing treasure of the Catholic Association ,
.. very shilling of which stood for two stout arms and one brave heart . For although in ' 29 or before it , he did not say give ns justice or c . se—yet , at least , the abstract possibility was recognised—nay . the imminent danger was feared , that those insulted and outraged Catholics , stuns by the protracted delay or final denial of justice , might extort at the sworti or pike point more than their pens had dared to solicit . 13 ut let a nation now subscribe before band tht » suicidal doctrine , that in wo time , or place orcircumstance , shall they overdraw a sword from its sheath , or even a pin from its cushion—when then their opinions might rate at the ragman ' s price of the dirty paper on which they may have been foolishly inscribed ..
They might rate , I say , at that price , if any government could be so silly as to believe that any nation could subscribe sincerely or would respect such a dastard cr- < ed . But , notwithstanding these preposterous attempts that are making of late to debauch a nation ' s character tor honour and truth , mor .-il force will still always operate , within the limits of its power , for good ; because , in spite of false creeds and hypocritical subscriptions theieto , it is the privilege of the oppressed that they sometimes may ( all divines save Quaker divines varrant the morality , ) and it is a law of nature that they often will ( all historians . warrant the fact ) abandon the logic of tho pen for the keener loiic of the sabre .
Doubtless , by this time , poor Mr . Wynne is terribly horrified , and suspects me t <> he an ngee In
vulgar enough in Limerick , \ et who—hut enoiuh . You made , however , an argument , which it . may ho only courtesy to notice , as it is , after all , better than the Kilrosenty sample . You say it is beeausu of ilia present constitution of the worhi—nanv .-l y , tlie spread of enlightenment , < fec , il > : itall _ seiwiUlemeti have agreed , & e . " Ah . my dear sir , if the rot of the world , or oven of Ireland , only partouk of your city polish , or if tho rest of your fellow-creatures , er oven of your brother priests , coi . I-- ! . v .-ity creep into , your sense , how easily physical l ' ot-.-e mkht- he furcid as physio upon the canine rave ; a- > d l »» w pleasantly we might simper through life , if ev ? n simpering did not trench too much upon muscular exeuion I But these arc exquisite dreams . I whh vim , my dear Mr . Wynne , a thousand years toiraprnvcvouik'lf .
In 1814 , after O'Connell ' s imprisonment , 1 had a resolution submitted to tliu-Comniittctt of the Repeal Association for their advice , as t » whether it <>•• some other similar one might be adopted with advantage to the country . Tbey answered in the negative , and I submitted to their decision . Here is nothing , Ishould hope , that a » lm » est man need ham ; his head for . Tho Ti t > pe > wy Ymdki'tnr . however , seems to think otherwise ; and-after mi : quitin » the re .-uiution , in an absolute form , asks mo how 1 feel now upon this subject , and makes an insinuation iillOUB
changes , which has no merit that I can see but . its latinity . The whole p assage is a specimen « 't tuo ailly small talk ot such people . The fact is . I tluittc now upon that subject aa I did then—that is to say , very donblfully r . s to whether the then c « m » . me 0 was equal to that g 2-o 3 t omeraeney . ikit i Jr , ' . < r this mifihty matter , 1 have to ob-ervo of the limacnt-jr , that in my deliberate opinion the existence ot such unprincip led papers ns it ami the hM , is , ma voliticalpoint of view , the greatest misfortune thia wretcheif country has to sutler under . 1 speak oltua
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 15, 1846, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_15081846/page/7/
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